# sharpen

/ˈʃɑɹpən/ (US) · /ʃˈɑːpən/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sharpen
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to make the edge or point of something thin and sharp so it cuts better. You can also use it to describe improving a skill or making an image look clearer.

For teachers: to make an edge or point acute or fine; to improve the acuity of a sense or the proficiency of a skill. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- I need to sharpen my pencil before the exam starts.
- The chef uses a whetstone every morning to sharpen his knives for the busy lunch service.
- The intensive three-month internship helped her sharpen her analytical skills, allowing her to identify subtle market trends that her more experienced colleagues had overlooked.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is frequently used metaphorically with nouns like 'skills', 'focus', or 'wits'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.